Utah Celebrates Olympic Return, Highlights Resort Developments

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has announced the Olympic rings will return to Salt Lake City - Utah for the 2034 Winter Olympics. 

Salt Lake City – Utah has been chosen for numerous reasons: the opportunity to build on the positive legacy from the Winter Olympic Games in Salt Lake City in 2002 and increase the existing Games Legacy Fund; the fact that all competition venues are within one hour’s drive of the main Olympic Village in Salt Lake City; the excellent experience within the US in organising and hosting major international events; and the ability to draw on existing venues that are well maintained meaning no significant capital investment is required. 

In addition to the existing infrastructure, more than 80% of the public, the national government, and state and city governments, show strong support of the 2034 Winter Olympics. And given the studies commissioned by the IOC on the potential impact of climate change on winter sports, Salt Lake City – Utah provides an opportunity to secure a traditional winter sports and climate-reliable destination well in advance of the Games.

Home to The Greatest Snow on Earth®, Utah is known for its 15 resorts, easy access, and incredible snowfall. Indeed, its snowfall season wrap up showed winter 2022-2023 and winter 2023-2024 as having the highest two-year snowfall total. 

It’s also no stranger to the Winter Olympics, having hosted the Games in 2002 when 2,399 athletes from 78 nations, participating in 78 events in 15 disciplines, competed in and around Salt Lake City from 8-24 February.

Rachel Bremer, Tourism Global Markets Director at Utah Office of Tourism, says: “We’re thrilled the International Olympic Committee has chosen Salt Lake City – Utah to host the 2034 Winter Olympics. The 2034 Winter Olympics will, no doubt, raise awareness of Utah’s incredible ski resorts, many of which are within an hour’s drive from Salt Lake City, plus our fantastic snow record – there’s a reason why we’re home to The Greatest Snow on Earth. 

“Having hosted the 2002 Winter Olympics, we’re excited to maintain, and improve upon, our legacy as one of the best destinations to ski in the world. Therefore, ‘Elevate’ will be our main theme for the upcoming Winter Olympics – we want to elevate local communities, elevate sport, and elevate the Games experience. We also want to use this as an opportunity to unify people at the community, state and national level”.

Aside from its unique Olympic Park, Utah is home to Woodward in Park City (comprising Learning, Experiential, and Performance terrain all designed to develop new skills and achieve goals), the opportunity to ski with an Olympian in Deer Valley, and 10 of its 15 resorts are situated within an hour’s drive of Salt Lake City.

However, with the 2034 Winter Olympics returning to the Beehive State, many resorts have further projects in place, ready to be in the spotlight once more. 

• NEW: Deer Valley Resort continues its impressive development  Deer Valley Resort is currently undergoing an incredible expansion, which will see new ski terrain (3,700 acres – the largest increase of skiable terrain in resort history) linked by 16 new chairlifts, a new village and hub with direct access to Route 40, and new world-class accommodation, dining and retail. This new area will have a soft opening in winter 2024/25 and a grand opening in winter 2025/26. In addition, the resort is also constructing a high-end Grand Hyatt Deer Vallet hotel. Opening in advance of the 2024/25 ski season, guests can make the most of sophisticated dining, fun après-ski, welcoming kids’ club, entertaining games room, on-site ski lockers, and electric vehicle chargers alongside the 442 luxury rooms, suites and private residences. Although part of Park City, Deer Valley’s atmosphere and accommodation makes it stand out. Deer Valley limits the number of skiers on the mountain each day, and guests are encouraged to purchase lift tickets, lodging, ski lessons, and rental products in advance. For more information, please visit: www.hyatt.com/grand-hyatt/en-US/slcgp-grand-hyatt-deer-valley
• NEW: A flagship project launches in Sundance Mountain Resort Inspired by its iconic founder (and previous owner) Robert Redford, whose masterful vision to ‘develop a little, and preserve a lot’, Sundance Mountain Resort is committed to balance development while protecting thousands of acres for future generations to experience exactly what inspired Sundance from the beginning. Earlier this year, the resort unveiled The Springs, a trio of relaxation pools designed to let guests ease into their day or unwind after a day on the mountain. Guests can soak in the soothing waters year-round while enjoying the stunning Alpine landscape of northern Utah. In addition, ready for winter 2025/26, the Inn at Sundance – designed to serve as a cosy home away from home – will open. The Inn will feature 63 rooms, ski-in, ski-out access, a comfortable Living Room, wrap around deck, and useful ski room. Plus, as it’s accessible for those with disabilities, a new Mountain Veterans Programme at The Inn – serving wounded veterans and their families – has also been announced.For more information, please visit: www.sundanceresort.com/in-the-news/press-releases/sundance-mountain-resort-breaks-ground-for-the-inn-at-sundance-and-debuts-act-ii-of-its-expansion/
• NEW: Brian Head Town Council approves expansion of Brian Head Ski Resort An expansion approved by Brian Head Town Council could make Utah’s southernmost ski resort the seventh largest in the state. In May 2024, Brian Head Town Council approved the annexation of nearly 1,799 acres for a new real estate community called, Aspen Meadows. The expansion is set to add 850 acres of skiable terrain and seven new fixed-grip and detachable high-speed lifts to the resort. Developers have also planned a new hotel, ski lodge, two base villages, a community park and ice-skating rink for the area. The expansion is expected to be fully built over the next three decades. For more information, please visit: www.brianhead.com/
• NEW: Nordic Valley in Ogden looking to expand and renovate Nordic Valley is looking to add another 40 trails to its mountain, including 100 acres of developed runs and 200 acres of tree-lined areas, plus a potential 4.3-mile gondola that would link the city of Ogden to the resort. Although not set in stone, these plans would likely make the resort a direct competitor with the other heavyweights in the state. For more information, please visit: www.nordicvalley.ski/
• NEW: Snowbird enhances guest experience ready for winter Snowbird is looking to enhance the guest experience as it works to complete ongoing capital improvement projects. The new Wilbere Chairlift, scheduled to open for the 2024/25 winter season, will offer improved access and convenience for skiers and snowboarders, while the new Mid-Gad Restaurant, set to open for the 2025/26 winter season, will provide mid-mountain dining with stunning views. For more information, please visit: www.snowbird.com/
• NEW: Marge’s Cabin is being built in Beaver Mountain Beaver Mountain is half-way through its two-year project to construct Marge’s Cabin. Named after Marge Seeholzer (the Seeholzer’s have owned the mountain ski area since 1937) the new 25,000-square foot facility, set to open for winter 2025/26, will encompass a rental shop, the Snowsports School, Skier Services, retail space, and a café. For more information, please visit: www.skiutah.com/blog/authors/tom-kelly/the-seeholzers-family-story-of/